The Role
Lead design, analysis, test, and operation of in-space propulsion systems (bipropellant thrusters, valves, pressure components). Create and execute test campaigns, provide on-orbit mission support and anomaly resolution, perform risk and mission analyses, and collaborate across engineering, manufacturing, and operations to deliver reliable propulsion hardware.
Summary Generated by Built In
As a Spacecraft Propulsion Engineer at Impulse Space, you will own all aspects of in-house propulsion system design, analysis, implementation and operation while working closely with a fast-paced, agile team that produces high-performance spacecraft from clean sheet designs.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a Responsible Propulsion Engineer for Impulse’s in-space propulsion system elements including bipropellant thrusters, valves, and pressure components
- Conduct analysis and testing to ensure that the performance and function of hardware meets intent
- Create and execute development, acceptance and qualification test campaigns
- Perform on-orbit mission support including flight data reviews and anomaly resolution
- Perform mission specific analysis and risk assessments an communicate to program stakeholders
- Work with wide-ranging teams across engineering, manufacturing and operations to deliver a reliable, high-performance and highly integrated system
- Resolve technical issues with innovative resourceful solutions
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
- Proficiency in basic principles of fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
- Ability to perform system trades ranging from thermal-fluids analyses to materials selection
- Hands-on experience working with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
- Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers
- Demonstrated ability of taking project ownership and working collaboratively with small teams
Preferred Skills and Experience
- Master’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- Prior experience working in lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
- Prior experience working with in-space propulsion systems including support of preflight mission analysis and on-orbit mission operations
- Familiarity with NASA and DoD standards regarding spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
- Familiarity with a fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT, GFSSP or similar
- Proficiency in CAD software with ability to learn new tools
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
Additional Requirements:
- Flexible schedule and willing to travel as needed
Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
About
Impulse Space, the in-space transportation company founded by Tom Mueller, is opening access beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) with its fleet of in-space transportation vehicles. The high-energy Helios vehicle unlocks orbits beyond LEO with its powerful Deneb engine, dropping off payloads in MEO, GEO, heliocentric, lunar, and other planetary orbits. The flight-proven Mira vehicle uses a nontoxic, high-impulse chemical propulsion system to offer orbital transport, constellation deployment, and precision reentry services to customers throughout LEO. Led by a team that delivered the most reliable rockets in history, Impulse provides economical and efficient in-space transportation by reliably and rapidly getting customers where they want to go.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or science
- 3+ years of demonstrated experience in the aerospace propulsion field
- Prior experience working on bipropellant rocket propulsion systems
- Proficiency in fluids, thermodynamics, heat transfer, mechanics and materials
- Ability to perform system trades including thermal-fluids analyses and materials selection
- Hands-on experience with fluid, mechanical, electrical and controls systems
- Ability to operate complex test systems including vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers
- Demonstrated ability to take project ownership and work collaboratively with small teams
- Flexible schedule and willingness to travel as needed
- U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual, or eligible to obtain required U.S. Department of State authorizations (ITAR compliance)
- Master's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering
- Prior lead roles on ground test or flight propulsion systems
- Experience with in-space propulsion systems including preflight mission analysis and on-orbit operations
- Familiarity with NASA and DoD spaceflight propulsion specifications and standards
- Familiarity with fluids analysis tools such as SINDA/FLUINT or GFSSP
- Proficiency in CAD software and ability to learn new tools
- Experience in a startup or agile development environment
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The Company
What We Do
Impulse enables low-cost and nimble last-mile space payload delivery - access any orbit, reach other worlds.
